Marriott Clears Merger Hurdle

Shareholders for Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts approved the merger of their two companies on Friday, putting Marriott one step closer to becoming the world’s largest hotel chain.

While the acquisition has already been approved by U.S. anti-trust regulators, it still needs approval from officials in Europe and China.

Just a few weeks ago, it looked as though Marriott had been outbid by Anbang Insurance Group for control of the parent of Westin, Sheraton, and W Hotels, but the group unexpectedly backed out.